Name: Clinchfield RR Layout owner: Stuart Wrightson (original version designed by John Armstrong) Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 14 x 32 feet Prototype: Clinchfield RR, CSX Locale: From Elkhorn City, Ky.,to the Tennessee/North Carolina border Era: Original plan, 1978; existing layout, present day Style: walk-in Mainline run: 223 feet (original) Minimum radius: 30″ Minimum turnout: no. […]
Name: Reading Co. Shamokin Division Layout owner: Jim Hertzog Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 30′-6″ x 40′-0″ Prototype: Reading Co. Locale: eastern Pennsylvania Era: 1952 to 1957 Style: walk-in Mainline run: 310 feet Minimum radius: 30″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 2.6 percent Benchwork: open grid Height: 45″ to 60″ Roadbed: cork and Homasote on […]
With the scenery in place on our O gauge CT&T layout, Kent and Bob turn their attention to adding the structures that will give the Big City an urban/industrial appearance. Follow along to see how the guys wire up the illuminated structures from Menards, MTH, and Woodland Scenics! […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Host Aaron Skinner is back to show you an important finishing technique that doesn’t have a thing to do with airbrushing! Watch this video to learn how you can flawlessly apply water-slide decals — even on a model with irregular surfaces! […]
Locomotives and rolling stock are pretty durable in the O and S gauge hobby, but even the best performers in your fleet will benefit from regular inspection, cleaning, and oiling. Here are seven of our most essential maintenance basics. Most of these tips are one-evening projects, and some take even less time. Give them a […]
Without any legs, brackets, or other visible means of support, floating benchwork keeps all attention focused on the model railroad. Follow along as author Lance Mindheim shows how to build these lightweight, yet sturdy shelves. Lance designed his benchwork for a 16″ shelf width. Use as many benchwork segments (shown above) as needed to match […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp and Drew Halverson work to add a signature forest fire scene to the Thompson River Canyon on our Canadian Canyons N scale layout. Even without incorporating animated fire or smoke effects, the guys show how use of subtle color and scenery […]
Surfaces with complicated textures and colors, like roads, can be difficult to reproduce convincingly on a layout. Lance Mindheim used a digital camera, photo-editing software, and blank decal paper to transfer images of real roads to streets on his layout. Fig. 1 Patchwork pavement. Years of weather, use, and repairs transform roads into a crazy […]
Adding mundane and non-revenue structures to your layout can enhance the authenticity of a scene, as demonstrated in these two scenes from the author’s Miami-based HO scale CSX Downtown Spur layout. The gray and salmon structure at the center of the top photo is 10th Avenue Tires in Miami. Structure building is one of the […]
In this installment of the O gauge CT&T Railway Series, David plays with paints to apply appropriate colors to The Big City sidewalks and a rock formation found along the tracks. […]
The Port yard had its own control panel and box for car cards and waybills. Click on the links to get the online extras. John Allen’s HO scale Gorre & Daphetid remains one of the hobby’s most influential model railroads. Check out this collection of online extras about this model railroading pioneer and his layout. […]
Photo 1 If at first you don’t succeed, get better materials, says Stan Ames, whose previous viaduct lasted less than five years. This strong and graceful viaduct, a good fit in Massachusetts, is in its ninth year serving the SJR&P. Read how in Regional reports. Stan Ames Photo 2 A master of mechanical principles and […]
